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FYI went great on my 2011 535i (build date 7/2010). Just stuck it in the glovebox USB and it started within 10-15 seconds.

Total time was about 45-50 minutes in the car (note: "copying to car" is the whole thing; I was afraid it would also have to expand once copied).

Other notes:
1. I was afraid to shut off the car, so I kept it running in my garage. I did however shut it off and back on during the load, but it continued.
>> I would not recommend walking away from the car with only ignition on/car not running since it might automatically shut down after 15-20 minutes (this was a software update to the car after mine and other early/mid builds burned out batteries when dealers/valets accidentally left cars on).
2. When I opened the door during the "enter code" screen, it automatically cancelled. So I had to start over before it started.
3. AFTER the load, my screen looked a lot more blurry (the grey/traffic screen got a lot better, btw). Turns out that "perspective during 3D" got more realistic, which = blurry). If you don't like it, turn off perspective during 3D.
4. It all seemed a lot slower at first, but got faster after turning car off/locking and then returning.
5. Initially the navigation version screen was completely blank, but similar to #4, it fixed itself.
6. I used a $15 Sandisk Cruzer Glide 32GB USB stick.

Shawn, your source tells me the code he sent will work for 2012 and if I get the 2013 working it will just work. Not sure how true that is but I am going to enter the code that he sent for the 2013 maps and see if it works for 2012.

Shawn, your source tells me the code he sent will work for 2012 and if I get the 2013 working it will just work. Not sure how true that is but I am going to enter the code that he sent for the 2013 maps and see if it works for 2012.

Hmm...something is not right I don't think. MAP update codes are specific to the MAP year.

For example, for a single VIN for CIC North America, I just generated the following Map Update Codes:

I know that, but just because he is in Europe doesn't mean he has only Europe Maps. Most of the people who sell FSC Codes have a full compliment of maps at their disposal.

As I said, I will find out what he meant by upgrading from 2012 to 2013 via DVD and using the same code from 2012.

Thanks Shawn,

He did not offer any downloads to me. Everything I got was from you.

I was really expecting the 2013 code not to work with the 2012 maps to be honest. Once I get the 2012 loaded I will try the 2013 maps to see if getting the newest version helps to recognize the 2013 data.

I was really expecting the 2013 code not to work with the 2012 maps to be honest. Once I get the 2012 loaded I will try the 2013 maps to see if getting the newest version helps to recognize the 2013 data.

I agree with you 100%. Even if this will not work with the 2013 maps I at least have a newer map set loaded.

Ok. I spoke with him and I just learned something here that I was not aware of. Apparently the map codes are backwards compatible, in that they can be used for any Map Year equal to or before the year for which it is generated. So for example, if he generated a 2015 Map Code, it would allow for a CIC System Map update using 2013, 2014, and 2015 Maps. Then if the 2016 Maps were used, it would then prompt you for a new FSC Code. Of course under that scenario, the Map FSC Code would be sold for $150 instead of $50 since it is good for 3 years.

So, your 2013 FSC Code is good for any older version, plus 2013 if you can ever get it working.

Ok. I spoke with him and I just learned something here that I was not aware of. Apparently the map codes are backwards compatible, in that they can be used for any Map Year equal to or before the year for which it is generated. So for example, if he generated a 2015 Map Code, it would allow for a CIC System Map update using 2013, 2014, and 2015 Maps. Then if the 2016 Maps were used, it would then prompt you for a new FSC Code. Of course under that scenario, the Map FSC Code would be sold for $150 instead of $50 since it is good for 3 years.

So, your 2013 FSC Code is good for any older version, plus 2013 if you can ever get it working.

Well that explains it!

I put my USB in and still no go in reading it.

If it still does not work after my meet tomorrow I will just hold out until......... Well I don't know.

If it still does not work after my meet tomorrow I will just hold out until......... Well I don't know.

Thanks again Shawn.

Ok. What would be interesting to me at this point is if your car was programed by the dealer with ISTA/P 2.48.2 and brought up to to the current Integration Level, hence flashing new firmware on your CIC, would it work afterwards.

If you ever get the car programed, try the USB Update again, and let me know what happens.

Ok. What would be interesting to me at this point is if your car was programed by the dealer with ISTA/P 2.48.2 and brought up to to the current Integration Level, hence flashing new firmware on your CIC, would it work afterwards.

If you ever get the car programed, try the USB Update again, and let me know what happens.

I think I am on a mission now. I will let you know what make the 2013 maps install via USB.